I’m the type of girl who has ideas jumping around in my head all the time…and I want to do them all. Not possible. In my mind, I can see the finished product. And sometimes I can see all the steps along the way. It is very helpful to myself when this happens. However…sometimes I see the steps on a ‘need to know’ basis. And, that can cause a ‘FLUSTERATION‘ of the largest kind. [yes, FLUSTERATION is a word. Why should Mr. Webster get all fun? It’s a cross between FLUSTERED and AGGRAVATION. And, it is not a pretty way to be. FYI].

Now, to the point of this little post. It does have one, in case you were wondering! I saw my mantle in my head. I knew how I wanted it to look. See, this is one of those cases where I get the info on a ‘need to know’ basis. So, I drag out all my big candle sticks…and place them on the mantle. I had bought 2 new ones, the sort of red ones with the funky ridges around the bottom. If you will notice, they have changed color several times…and may again. They were a pinky shade of red to start with.

And, I added the cream candles. The look was just not right. So, I removed the candles, and added 2 more larger candle sticks. I liked this better. But, the candle color was off. Couldn’t use red, or green, or cream.

HMMMMM…What to do? What to do? I DID NOT want to go and buy candles for all these…they would cost a fortune. And, I already had these on hand. AHHHHH! I spied this pretty tissue paper that I picked up in B’ham. I wished the candles were that color. And, they may even look good with that print on them. MOD PODGE! That’s what I needed! And, a Diet Coke. OH! Happy Day! I had both on hand!

To the terribly cluttered work table in my studio I headed. I cut the tissue to fit the various sizes of candles. Then ‘painted’ on a layer of Mod Podge. Gently I laid the tissue on top, and smoothed it out. *****FYI…It does not matter how gently or slowly or carefully or meticulously you place this tissue on the candle….IT WILL WRINKLE! It is something about the laws of Christmas, and the level of anxiety you feel at the coming of the season, and directly related to the fact that you have a houseful of guests coming in VERY SOON! I tell you this so you can avoid the dreaded ‘FLUSTERATION‘. So, tell yourself…as I do…that the wrinkles are really quite nice and add to the character of the finished candle. *****I told me that..and I believe it…and I like the wrinkles!

After I laid the tissue on the candle,I covered it with another layer of Mod Podge. OH! MY! Those wrinkles really showed up then! Beautiful!


IF YOU DO THIS….
Be sure to set these on a plastic bag or wax paper, so they will not stick to whatever you set them on. FLUSTERATION happens when you have to pick off tiny pieces of newspaper or an uncoated paper plate.

Let dry well, then cut off any excess. Take them to your candle sticks, and place them on top. Stand back…admire your clever handiwork…and pat yourself on the back for being such a resourceful, clever, creative girl!

I have bemoaned to you, my friends, how hard it has been to get motivated to decorate for Christmas this year. I have been working on the inside, but nothing outside. However, while in Birmingham yesterday, I picked up some stuff to get the job done. And, that has been my goal today. I am happy to report to you that it has been finished and all is in place. So, here’s how I spent the day…

I found these wonderful ceramic pots at Home Goods for $7.99 each. I debated purchasing them for a while and put them back…then went back and got them. Glad I did! They are a gingerbread colored brown, with a cream colored snowflake…beautifully glazed.

A quick stop by Jo-Ann’s, where all the Christmas was 60% off. I bought 6 cream colored poinsettia bushes, some excelsior, and foam. Remember the pots, the snowflakes are the same color as the poinsettia! The plan was coming together!

Sometimes excelsior is easier to work with than moss. And, not as messy!

I had bought a large square of foam, intending to split it, and 2 foam balls. Cutting the block apart, to stuff in the bottom thus elevating the ball. Hot glued the ball to the block. Some scraps of the foam were used to wedge the ball tighter into the pot.

Then the excelsior is hot glued onto the ball and tucked down into the pot. One down, one to go.

I cut apart the bushes. The stems are much easier for me to work with than a whole bush. I also plan to add some twigs. Let me tell you about the twigs. Several years ago, I found these bushes of small twigs. They are covered wire, so it is easy to bend them and use them in many ways. Let me just say this. And, I am NOT a floral designer, or even a floral worker, BUT…these twigs are the best things…in the FLORAL WORLD…that I have ever bought. I use them over and over, in almost every arrangement I do, and in every season. I have 4 bushes of these, but I cut 2 of them apart. If you ever run across something similar, they are wonderful to have in your work room! I think I paid about $3.00 a bush.

And, here is the finished product, already on the front porch, in the plants stands. I like the way they look.

One on either side…ready for the wreath in the middle.

And, here is the wreath, bought at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 off. However, to go with the cream poinsettias…it needs something! What do you think? I think I’m going to use the leftover poinsettias to add to the wreath…and maybe some white berries.

I bought this wonderful tin bag at Hobby Lobby, and could hardly wait to fill it with some foliage. The is is now filled with the remainder of the twigs I told you about, and some stems that I bought for another project! Doesn’t it look festive!

And, keeping close watch over all the creative activity taking place in the kitchen, is Bella, the shopping angel. She approved! And, was very impressed with my creative endeavors today!

We returned home about an hour ago, after a l-o-n-g day! Adam went in early for a workup before surgery, so Joy and I left, with plans to be back before the surgery started. About the time we had gotten across town…the phone rang, and it was Adam. There had been a cancellation in the doctors schedule…he was starting the surgery in 5 minutes! We hopped in the car and hurried back…but, it was all finished by the time we got there!

It all went well! And, even though he was in pain… he could actually see an improvement!

Thank you, Jesus! You are good to us and we thank you and praise you!

The Dr. told him that his vision would continue to improve over the next few days!

We appreciate you remembering us and keeping us in your prayers. He is the Great Physician!!

Continuing with my Christmas decor…

This is a wreath I made using pages from an old book. It really was a terrible old paperback that had no redeeming value. I tore each page out, rolled and glued it, then glued it to a foam wreath form…

Here is a close-up. And, you’ll never guess which room I put this BOOK wreath in….why the LIBRARY, of course!

Now, here’s the kitchen. This display is on the storage buffet piece…This is my favorite piece of furniture in the house. It is useful, and there are 2 surfaces for seasonal decor.

On the top left are 2 rosemary topiaries…with a little Christmas finery added…

In the center is this old chalkware nativity carving…

Inside the little niche, I covered all with a holly and twig garland. On the right is a stack of my Christmas books, topped off with a jar of little rag balls. A little red plate, found this year at Pier 1, sits beside the books. [Loved this dessert plate, with the church on it…wish they made it in a larger size. I just bought one…to use for display]
Next is a sign on the back of the niche, that says ‘Christmas Spirit Gathers Here’…in front of which sits a red bowl full of small white shimmery balls.
Next is a little Christmas box…that I want to show you in detail…later on…and a red platter that matches the bowl. Oh, the little sign in front says…”You better not pout”. Someone stuck it up there…didn’t notice till later!

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Never have I been so lax in getting my house decorated for Christmas. But, then, never have I decorated THIS house for Christmas. And, never have I had to contend with the things I have had to deal with this year. Oh, well, IT IS WHAT IT IS…
I bought some things to decorate the outside today. Never have I not had my outside decor up at least by December 1…but, never have I had to figure out how to hang a wreath or anything else, WITHOUT putting a ***nail in the wall…or the rock…or the brick…or the mortar*** (thanks to DH)

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The teachers at FP are all coming to my house for a luncheon Tuesday. So, I MUST have everything finished…or I’ll never hear the end of it! Only kidding! Can hardly wait for us all to be together again!

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In B’ham tonight for Adam’s surgery tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers!

I finally have some pictures to show you of my Christmas Decor. First is the front foyer…here I used a woodland theme to tie in with the furnishings already there. I have several pines that I have collected over the years. Also here is the surprise gift of the Holy Family I received last week…


Next is the dining room…this is what I have on my dining room table…


Aren’t these the most wonderful trees? I think they are so unusual. And, they were found in my Pop’s attic while we were getting his decorations down. Why these were there is a mystery to me. These are not something my Mother would have liked…or bought. Joy nor I can either one remember her ever using them. So, I have no idea how old they are. There is a wreath that my friend, Tina, gave me several years ago. I know you can’t tell from the pictures, but the foliage on the wreath is exactly the same as on parts of the tree! Neat, huh?

This is a ‘GATHERING’ of greenery and candlesticks I have assembled on the mantle…

And, here is the scene on the buffet. My collection of feather trees and funky angels!

In the corner is this sad little tree. I have a collection of tiny kitchen utensils, candy canes and gingerbread cookies!

And, finally, here is a little wire tree filled with tiny mercury glass ornaments…some very old!

That’s all I have time to do today…more to come!